About Playa Panama
Playa Panama, Costa Rica, is one of a string of beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo. Located within Bahía Culebra or Snake Bay in the Guanacaste Province, Playa Panama is one of the most attractive but lesser visited beaches in the region.
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Situated just north of Playa Hermosa, it’s one of the calmest and most protected beaches in Costa Rica, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving, fishing and kayaking.
With not much of an actual town center or village to go with, Playa Panama offers a relaxing alternative to other popular spots in Guanacaste and a great option for a day trip in the area.
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How to Get to Playa Panama
By Car
Playa Panama is located very close to Liberia International Airport. If you rent a car, you can drive from the airport to Playa Panama in 25 minutes. The road to the beach is in good condition all year round, so a 4×4 is not necessary to explore this part of the coastline.
By Bus/Shuttle
For a more budget-friendly way to visit Panama Beach, you can opt for public buses. Transportes La Pampa operates a bus from Liberia to Playa Panamá several times a day. Tickets cost $1 – $2, and the journey takes up to 50 minutes.
There’s also the option to book a private shuttle to Playa Panama. A private shuttle for 1-4 people from Liberia airport to Panama costs around $60 USD.
Parking at Playa Panama
There are a few parking lots spread out along the beach at different access points, with plenty of shady trees where you can leave your car. There’s usually someone to help park and watch your car, who expects around 2000 colones for the job. However, we don’t recommend leaving any valuables visible in your car if you plan on being at the beach for a while.
Facilities at Playa Panama
While there’s not much of a town at the beach, you’ll still find a tiny village around the bay offering restaurants and accommodations. However, for any other facilities, you’ll have to head 10 minutes away to Playas del Coco, a bigger tourist hub. If you need a bathroom, you can ask the restaurants to use their facilities for a fee.
Things to Do at Playa Panama
If you head to Playa Panama for the day, here’s what you can do:
Go for a Swim
On the Pacific Coast in Costa Rica, Playa Panama is one of the few beaches that offer perfectly calm water. With a gently curved bay protected from the wild currents of the Pacific Ocean by the headlands of Culebra Bay, the blue waters are safe for swimming for all ages.
Walk Along the Sand
Stretching for two kilometres in length, the dark sand beach offers an ideal place to go for a long walk along. With very few crowds, the beach is usually very quiet, allowing you to take in the natural beauty on sunny mornings on foot.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking in the Bay
The calm waters of Playa Panama means it’s not only great for swimming but also for water sports like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. It’s the best beach to glide out onto the water and take in the coastline from a different perspective.
Relax Under the Shade
Playa Panama is surrounded by a tropical forest, and with little development along the bay, you’ll find plenty of natural shade to relax. You can either take your own chair or towel or even hang your own hammock up under the trees to relax for the afternoon. Playa Panama is one of the friendliest places on the northern Guanacaste shore, as locals often come to enjoy the peace and quiet that are less common at other beaches on the Papagayo Peninsula.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at Playa Panama?
Yes, many people visit Playa Panama to swim. The bay offers calm and protected water without the danger of rips or currents, so it’s a perfect beach for a swim.
Can you Fish at Playa Panama?
While Panama Beach is not known for its fishing off the beach, you can certainly join fishing charters for some sport fishing in Culebra Bay. Just around the other side of the bay at Marina Papagayo, fishing charters can be booked – you’ll have the chance to catch mahi mahi, tuna, snapper, wahoo and grouper or even marlins, rooster or sailfish.
Can you Surf at Playa Panama?
No, Playa Panama is not the best place for surfing. The bay is a very protected corner of the Papagayo Region, with calm water and no surfable waves. While it’s great for SUPing and kayaking, it’s not ideal for surfers. You can find surf spots further north in Santa Rosa National Park.
Is Playa Panama Safe for Families?
Playa Panama is a very safe place for families to spend the day. With calm water and few crowds, the beach is a great spot to bring the kids to paddle in the sea and play in the sand. However, you should be careful of your personal belongings as petty theft can be common.
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Where to Stay near Playa Panama
When it comes to Playa Panama hotels, luxury is the standard. The beach is home to several world-class resorts and vacation rentals, and there are almost no options for budget travellers.
Mid Range/Budget Hotel: Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel
Located at the southern end of the beach, this older hotel complex offers several private suites big enough for big families. The property is spacious, with gardens, an outdoor pool, beachfront bar and a restaurant serving local food. They can also arrange day trips from this great location to many national parks and other beaches in close proximity.
Luxury Hotel: El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
This is one of the best luxury resorts in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Papagayo. El Mangroove is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection hotels. This famous ocean-facing resort is at the front and center of Playa Panama and is a short distance from the beach itself. It boasts stunning suites, an outdoor pool, two restaurants, private tour boats, and private balconies with sun lounges.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Playa Panama
Peninsula CR Steak & Seafood Grill
Located back from the beach, this steak house is perfect for an upscale date night. Offering incredible views of the coast at sunset, the restaurant has a big patio where you can indulge in cocktails and a classy dinner. It also boasts an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Hacienda Blu Beach Restaurant
This wonderful, airy restaurant on the southern end of the bay is a more casual option on the beach but is always buzzing with a great atmosphere. With live music and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect location for an evening meal. People rave about the great surf’ n ‘turf platters that come in enormous sizes to share. You can also try the ceviche or fish tacos or a selection of vegan dishes on offer.
Makoko
This restaurant at the Mangroove Resort is worth checking out for breakfast or dinner, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. It specializes in international and fusion cuisine, with both local and western meals available. Try the Caribbean salmon, beef tartare, or vegetarian options like the grilled eggplant. They also offer a breakfast buffet with a full variety.
The Bottom Line
It might not be the first choice of beach in the Papagayo Region, but this long curving bay is ideal for paddling, swimming and relaxing away from the crowds.
Splurge on a beachfront resort, and you’ll appreciate Playa Panama for all its natural beauty.
